Why supplementation remains so important for adults (and children)

Every year, news reports appear about large groups of adults with low vitamin D levels, especially from October through March. In our region, sunlight plays a crucial role, and that's precisely what's lacking.

In this article, we'll take you through the real reasons behind this much-discussed topic:

• why vitamin D is such a challenge in our countries
• what percentages of deficiencies we see in adults
• which factors increase risk
• what this means for children and families
• why topping up is becoming not a luxury but a practical necessity
• and how our sprays make it easier for everyone

Not enough sun to produce sufficient vitamin D

Vitamin D is largely produced in the skin via UVB light, but in Belgium and the Netherlands:

• our latitude is too high for sufficient UVB in autumn and winter
• it is often cloudy, even in spring
• adults spend a lot of time indoors (work, sports, leisure)
• does sun protection (rightly) contribute to lower production?
• the sun's power is too low from October to March to build up vitamin D at all

Even those who live a healthy lifestyle, walk outdoors and eat a varied diet, hardly build up any vitamin D during the dark months.

Figures from Belgium and the Netherlands

The percentages vary from study to study, but the conclusion is always the same: low vitamin D levels are very common.

In Belgium

• 50% to 70% of adults do not achieve the desired blood values in winter (VUB, UZ Brussels, UZ Leuven publications)
• Low values are more common among indoor workers and city dwellers.

In the Netherlands

• 30%–50% of adults have low vitamin D levels in winter
  (RIVM, Health Council).
• The Health Council recommends structural supplementation for specific groups.

Adults at increased risk

• people who work indoors (the majority of the population)
• people with dark skin
• people who wear covering clothing
• pregnant women
• people who rarely go outside
• 50-plus people
• vegetarians and vegans (food contains little vitamin D)

Vitamin D deficiencies are more common in adults than in children, but children do lack the sun and nutrition to produce sufficient amounts.

Nutrition alone is usually insufficient — even with a healthy lifestyle

Vitamin D is found only in small amounts in food.

Even with a varied diet, you rarely reach the amount normally produced by sunlight. That's why we see low levels appearing in Belgium and the Netherlands during the winter.

The main dietary sources of vitamin D:

• oily fish
  
• eggs
• meat
• mushrooms
• enriched food

What does this mean for children?

In the Netherlands, the Health Council has recommended regular vitamin D supplementation for young children for years. In Belgium, pediatricians and general practitioners consistently see low levels in children and teenagers every year, especially in winter.

For children, lifestyle (being outdoors, playing, sun) plays an even bigger role than for adults.

It is important to pay attention to children because:

• they are outside much less than before
• they have more screen time
• they can hardly produce vitamin D in winter
• they eat less fatty fish
• they grow — and growth requires continuous nutrients

Why supplementation for adults is so often recommended

Adults rarely have enough sun and food alone. The need is constantly increasing. Therefore, vitamin D is often considered one of the most important nutrients to supplement daily.

Vitamin D is best absorbed when used consistently, daily, and simply. Moreover, research shows that the sublingual form (sprayed under the tongue) specifically for vitamin D provides 3.6x better absorption.

That's exactly why people spray:

• consistent through simplicity
• 100% natural
• independent of digestion
• better absorption & faster absorption
• gentle on your body and stomach
• refillable and travel-proof

For you.
For your family.
Every season.